Chapter:0 Hiring

Cassandra gives Chaala a small, approving nod.

"There are no stupid questions, Ms. Angushlii—only unasked ones."

She adjusts her datapad, and a holo-route blossoms above the conference table.

"You are correct: Theta Borealis is a considerable distance from Glisten.
To address that, Ironhand has secured a dedicated Jump-5 transport as part of our support contract with the IISS."

A string of long, graceful jump arcs appears in the holo.

"The journey to Pautho takes approximately twenty-eight weeks at Jump-5.
For this duration, all personnel will travel in low berth. This is not a cost-cutting measure—it is a logistical one. Sustaining a full complement of specialists across that many jumps would otherwise require prohibitive consumables."

She pauses before continuing.

"Let me emphasize: all low-berth units are IISS-certified and continuously monitored by shipboard medical AIs. Revival risk is statistically negligible—well below one-tenth of one percent."

She offers a steady, reassuring look to the room.

"Your six-month contract begins only when you arrive at the IISS base on Pautho.
However, you are fully compensated during transit."

Cassandra taps the datapad; a financial breakdown appears on each hand-terminal.

"Transit compensation is Cr 3,000 per month, rounded to Cr 20,000 per trip.
Outbound plus inbound equals Cr 40,000 in transit pay."

Another tap.

"Operational pay is Cr 8,000 per month for six months—Cr 48,000 total.
Together, your guaranteed earnings amount to Cr 88,000."

She folds her hands with practiced calm.

"This is for relatively light, low-visibility duty. It exceeds standard mercenary rates—typically six to seven thousand per month—because of three factors:

1. The extremely remote location,
2. The need for trusted professionals far from Imperial oversight, and
3. The incentive structure required for long-duration low-berth transit."

Her tone softens slightly.

"And to be clear: your return transport is guaranteed.
Ironhand is contractually obligated to return you to Glisten—or, if you prefer, any mutually agreed Imperial world with a Class C port or better."

She steps forward slightly, adopting a more candid posture.

"Planning for your future after this contract is expected. We hire adults—professionals who think ahead."

Another swipe on her datapad brings up a discreet HR notice.

"Additionally, successful completion of a Theta Borealis deployment places you into priority consideration for future Ironhand contracts. Many personnel treat this assignment as a career gateway."

She lets the information settle across the room.

"This is an excellent question. Any others?"

With an acknoledging nod, th eformer soldier listens to the speakers' further presentations.

He notes down the figures mentioned in his datapad and does some mental arithmetic. When the woman looks for further questions, he raises his hand.

"It sounds like a quiet job where you don't necessarily need the maximum amount of equipment, but of course, being so far off the beaten track, the communication and supply routes are also long.

In the event that something happens, be it an escalation or external influence, what is the supply situation, both in terms of supplies and equipment? In the worst case scenario - reinforcement?"

Chaala nods back to Mongomery.

"Also, this is clearly a priority for the IISS. Just the cost of getting us in this room probably exceeded our contracts and the transport is astronomical. What can you tell us about the objective so we can be prepared and not cock it up." Without waiting for a reply, Chaala continues, "Assuming you can't tell us that here, can we get a few weeks out of Low Berth on the other end to study up on local dialects and politics? Theta Borealis is well outside my Survey zone and I'd prefer not to go into a critical mission cold and blind."

Cassandra inclines her head toward Montgomery first, acknowledging the seriousness of the question.

"Mr. Montgomery, that is an entirely reasonable concern—and one we plan for before the first inductee ever steps inside this room. Let me walk you through it."

She gestures, and the Ironhand emblem soft-dims behind her.

"First: Supply and equipment continuity."
Her tone stays level, reassuring rather than defensive.

"Ironhand and the IISS maintain a standing logistics agreement for this contract. The IISS maintains supplies at Pautho Base—food, medtech, spare components, and quality of life products. Your issued mission-profile tactical gear and equipment are held there as well. Because this is a low-visibility assignment, the IISS restricts personal weapons, but non-weapon personal gear is permitted. Optics, sights, sensors—yes. Firearms—no. The team you are replacing has a Ironhand funding account for procurements from the local economy for such contingencies. In your transit package is the replacement. We will brief your team lead on this package policies and procedures. "

She folds her hands behind her back.

"Second: Reinforcement and emergency escalation."

"The IISS does not under-resource its own operations. You have read about the downsizing of the different Imperial Branches of the military, except the Navy of course and the IISS is no different. This is where you come in, you are their reinforcement and security. If there is an incident—be it environmental, political, or something more… unusual—the Scout Service is capable of providing reinforcement or extraction. Their response times are not instantaneous, but they are dependable. We integrate our personnel into their contingency trees. You are not being left on the frontier without a lifeline."

A slight, confident smile.

"In short: You will have what you need. And if the situation ever changes, you will not face it alone."

Cassandra now turns her attention to Chaala, her expression warming with professional approval.

"Ms. Angushlii, you’re correct on two counts. First—yes, this contract represents a significant investment by the IISS. You are here because they want the best."

"Your objective is to provide security an IISS exploratory and survey mission already in progress. The work is critical but not combat-oriented. The Service wants experts who can keep their people safe without disrupting the scientific mandate."

She steps closer, voice steady.

"Regarding preparation: Yes. Absolutely."

"You will receive a current situation brief here for those that sign the contract and after in-processing. However, you will receive a full brief—including political context, local dialects, regional customs, current IISS operational posture, and an updated environmental threat profile—once you arrive at Pautho Base. We’ve arranged for you to have post-revival to train, study, and acclimate before the contract clock begins. The situation will change in the 28 weeks you will spend in transit. The team you will be replacing will out brief you on the current tactical, political an IISS posture."

"To confirm: The six-month contract period starts only after you are revived and oriented at Pautho."

A small nod toward Chaala.

"We want you stepping into this assignment confident, informed, and effective—not blind."

She looks between both Travellers.

"these are very good questions and I am sure there are more?"

About this time a 'ping' sounds from all of the tablets given to the characters with the notification of the Theta Borealis Sector Environmental Brief. you have the Sector brief in your tablets for review. Are there any other questions?

Bohdie stands and says, "Yes, I have a question. Who is giving the orders out there? The daily orders. Where do we sit in the Daily FRAGO? I mean we will be a long way from Ironhand. I understand the contract is with IISS, but it seems we are to be somewhat like executive protection and security amongst other things. So who calls the shots?"

Cassandra turns toward Bohdie as he finishes, giving him a crisp nod of acknowledgment.

"A fair question, Mr. Hokuanokada—one every professional should ask before stepping into a remote assignment."

She taps her datapad, bringing up a small personnel profile.

"First, you should be aware that at Pautho Base, Ironhand maintains a dedicated Administrative and Logistics Support Liaison: TSOUKFAEKS.

She is a Vargr career administrator assigned to your contract.
Once revived, he will be your point of contact for all Ironhand administrative matters—pay, scheduling, gear accountability, reporting channels, and supply coordination."

The profile fades, replaced by a simplified command structure overlay.
Cassandra continues:

"Now, to your question of who gives the orders."

She brings up a simplified command overlay on the tri-vid.

"Ironhand Security Solutions retains authority over corporate policy, HR matters, discipline, performance evaluation, and contractual compliance. That HR chain runs through Tsoukfaeks and ultimately through my office."

The diagram shifts, highlighting the IISS crest.

"However—once you are operationally deployed, your day-to-day tasking, field directives, and daily FRAGOs come directly from the IISS Base Commander on Pautho."

"Think of it as a blended structure:
• Ironhand handles your welfare, administrative support, professionalism, and standards.
• The IISS tells you where to be, who to escort, what mission site requires coverage, and what research team needs secure movement."

A small nod toward Bohdie.

"You are correct that this is closer to an executive protection and site-security hybrid role than to a combat deployment. As such, you follow the operational guidance of the IISS Commander, while Ironhand ensures you are supported, compliant, and protected within the scope of our contract."

She folds her hands neatly.

"So in short: Ironhand owns the contractor. The IISS owns the mission.
And both chains of authority are designed to keep you alive, effective, and informed."

Her eyes sweep the room again.

"Does that answer your question, Mr. Hokuanokada?"

"Again these are very good questions"

"Yes, thank you very much.". Bohdie sits down, apparently satisfied. He continues to listen.

THE MOMENT OF COMMITMENT

Cassandra looks around the room;
"Well if there are no more questions, ...." She lets that hangs in the air to see if there are any more questions by anyone.

Rathen Vale Enters the Briefing

The conference room door slides open with a muted hydraulic whisper. A sharply dressed man steps inside—tall, composed, with the kind of posture that communicates confidence without aggression. His suit is corporate, but its cut and the subtle reinforcement panels suggest someone who has spent time in places where suits alone don’t keep you alive.

He stops beside Cassandra, hands clasped neatly behind his back.

"Good afternoon. Rathen Vale, Program Manager for Ironhand’s IISS Support Contract."

He gives the Travellers a measured, appraising look.

"From this point forward, operational integration falls under my office. Cassandra has covered the contract, compensation, and administrative rails. I handle everything else—the realities of executing this mission without surprises."

A tap on the room’s control panel shifts the tri-vid display, replacing Cassandra’s HR overlays with logistical and operational schematics.

"Several of you have asked about equipment, living conditions, and role boundaries. Good. Professionals ask these questions before a deployment—never after."

Rathen Vale Answers Outstanding Questions
Q1: "What gear will we be issued?"

"Your full equipment issue occurs upon arrival at the IISS base on Pautho."

"This includes the Ironhand Armory A package—our standard Basic Contractor Set and Low-Visibility Corporate Security Ensemble. The loadout is tailored for executive protection, escort, and environmental security in sensitive areas."

"No personal weapons are permitted. This is a hard requirement from the IISS."

"Non-weapon personal gear is allowed: optics, sights, multitools, pouches, personal armor plates, navigational aids, computing devices, and similar items."

He gives the room a small, deliberate nod.

"We equip you for discretion, not for firefights."

Q2: "Can we bring our own weapons if they’re registered?"

"No. Under no circumstances. The IISS prohibits contractor-supplied weapons on this assignment."

"All weapons and defensive tools you carry will be issued at Pautho from Ironhand Armory A, serialized, logged, and accounted for. They must be returned at the end of the contract."

Q3: "What are the living conditions on Pautho?"

"Functional. Mission-focused."

"Expect single or double-occupancy contractor quarters, a shared mess, basic recreation lounges, and standard IISS medical support. Pautho is not a hardship world, but it is also not a resort."

"Everything is designed around supporting IISS operations cleanly and efficiently."

Q4: "Can we be reassigned once we arrive?"

"No. Your contract is specific to IISS survey support in the Theta Borealis region."

"You will not be moved to other Ironhand missions until your scheduled return to Glisten."

Q5: "What if issued gear is lost or damaged?"

"Report losses immediately."

"Mission-critical gear is replaced at no cost.
Non-critical items may incur a depreciation fee, depending on circumstances and documentation."

Q5: "Do we get downtime during the assignment?"

"Yes. You’ll have regular off-duty cycles."

"During downtime you may:
– Rest and recover
– Use base facilities
– Participate in non-hazardous scientific support tasks for additional Ironhand compensation, if you choose"

He shifts his weight slightly—just enough to signal the transition from explanation to expectation.

"Your time is respected. Your professionalism is expected."

Rathen Vale Concludes

He looks around the room again, assessing each Traveller in turn.

"That addresses the outstanding questions. Anything operational that remains unclear—ask now, and we will resolve it before Phase 2 of Ironhand Inprocessing begins."

"Once you step onto the transport, ambiguity ends and execution begins."

IRONHAND SECURITY SOLUTIONS – POST-SIGNING INDUCTION SEQUENCE

THE MOMENT OF COMMITMENT

Cassandra looks around the room and nods towards Rathen Vale;
"Well if there are no more questions, ...." She lets that hangs in the air to see if there are any more questions by anyone.

She lifts the datapad, thumb hovering over a glowing field of text.
"For those who are staying—please sign the contract. Let’s make this official."
The Ironhand logo pulses softly behind her.

---

---

A heartbeat later, the two Sophont Relations staff rise ( a calm human woman in charcoal-grey corporate attire, and a non-descript female Vargr whose tail moves in disciplined, professional arcs).

"Congratulations and welcome to Ironhand Security Solutions.
Please follow us for outfitting and Corporate onboarding."

---

---

1. APPAREL FITTING

The group moves through softly lit corridors of frosted holopanels showing tasteful—never militaristic—Ironhand promotional imagery.

Inside a fitting suite, technicians scan each Traveller with a contour-reader.

Each receives:

• 2 sets of Charcoal-grey field shirts
• 2 pairs of fashionable military-cut cargo pants
• a Soft-shell light jacket with subtle Ironhand insignia
• a Matching hat
• Polished utility boots
• Optional tailoring for Vargr, Aslan, or other sophonts Terminal Update: The "Apparel Fitting" folder turns green.
The next folder—Portrait Capture—begins blinking softly.

---

2. CORPORATE PORTRAIT CAPTURE

A compact holostudio awaits.
A ring of cool-white light scans each Traveller from head to toe.

Within seconds, their new Ironhand personnel portrait appears on the display—clean, crisp, and far better than any starport ID they’ve ever had.

Terminal Update: Folder 2 turns green.
A glowing line on the mini-map animates, pointing toward the recertification chamber.

---

3. SKILLS RECERTIFICATION

Rows of sleek fold-down seats fill a corporate-quiet instructional room.

The self paced modules include:

• Ironhand Security SOP overview
• Anti-harassment and anti-retaliation policy
• Data protection standards
• IISS joint-protocol alignment
• Site access and comm-node procedures
• Firearms baseline safety verification (Basics of weapon safety handling and orientation to common Ironhand weapons)
• Sensor/Tracking node recertification

It's all precise, polished—more like a high-end corporate seminar than a mercenary induction course.

Terminal Update: Folder 3 glows green.
The map now routes the Travellers to the final stop: Medical.

---

4. MEDICAL SCREENING & FAST DRUG APPLICATION

The medical suite is bright, quiet, and antiseptic without being harsh.

Each Traveller undergoes:

• Vitals check
• Reflex testing
• Ocular scan
• Immunization boosters where Traveller's records that were provided indicate shortfalls in immunizations (or in the case of those of recent service, Traveller's digitally indicate that those records can be shared)
• Anti-pathogen cocktail
• Fis application of the Fast Drug acclimation (standard for long-haul deployment)

A final biometric seal is applied to their contract.

Terminal Update: All folders turn green.
A new message appears:
"INPROCESSING COMPLETE – REPORT TO TRANSIT DECK 4."

---

TRANSIT TO THE STARPORT

The group is guided to a grav-tube subway pod: a silent, magnetically-suspended train that cuts across the corporate campus.

Minutes later, the doors open into the starport terminal, where Ironhand agents escort the entire team through security in a single, efficient movement.

On Pad C-12 stands their transport vessel:

Örugg ferð
("Secure Journey")

Medical personnel greet the Travellers, scan and verify their identities, and calmly assist each of them into the waiting low berths. As they ease into the Low berth a medic applies the last dose of the Fast Drug application.

---

Next Stop: PAUTHO – Theta Borealis Sector

Rathen turns slightly toward Chaala, acknowledging the logistical nature of her inquiry.

"Yes, that’s a reasonable request, Ms. Angushlii."

He brings up a small scheduling display on the tri-vid, a subtle gesture signaling that what follows is official procedure rather than an informal favor.

"Ironhand can secure any personal equipment you wish to place into long-term storage. If you need to retrieve gear from your accommodations, we can allocate a window for you to do so. Would one hour be sufficient for your needs?"

He pauses just long enough to let her confirm before continuing.

"To be clear—no personal weapons will be transported to Pautho. None. Not for storage, not for future use. The IISS contract is explicit on that point."

He shifts the display to a return-route diagram.

"And as Ms. Huxley noted earlier, the return location is Glisten. Our transport agreement does not include discretionary stops. You deploy from here, and you return to here."

The schedule panel updates once more, highlighting Phase 3 of the onboarding process.

"We will build the break you need into the in-processing sequence. After Phase 3: Skills Recertification—and before Phase 4: Medical Screening & Fast Drug Application—you will have an authorized window to retrieve personal weapons, gear and place those weapons and gear you don't want to bring into Ironhand-secured storage."

A short nod follows, crisp and administrative.

"If additional time or special handling is required, notify the SR desk immediately so we can adjust the sequence."

Other than a nod of recognition to Chaala, Virel spoke no word. He just listened while the others asked their questions.

He knew what was going on. None of this was routine. It screamed that they were expendable: that the IISS didn’t want anything about this coming out. No one would say it aloud, but the silence said everything: They don’t know what happened out there. They’re afraid of the answers. Easy answers, and they might walk home. Tough ones and no one may ever make it back.

But maybe he was getting too old for this. Maybe the war had left him seeing shadows where there were none. So he said nothing.

He accepted the contract. He let himself believe, just for a moment, that this new life, quiet and uncertain as it was… might finally be his own.

Bohdie has reviewed the threat document and further researched the information regarding the polities in the area in preparation for the mission. In particular, he will look into the races in the region, as well as the political forces in the nearby systems.